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The 15 Most Incredible Castles in the United States

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When you think of castles, your mind might drift to Europe’s grand medieval fortresses or fairy-tale palaces. Surprisingly, that is far from the truth because the US features its own collection of awe-inspiring castles, each with unique architecture and fascinating histories. Some were built as private estates, others as monuments to ambition and eccentricity. Swipe to explore 15 of the most incredible castles you won’t believe exist right here in the United States.

Boldt Castle

Clément Bardot/Wikipedia

Once a millionaire’s romantic gesture, Boldt Castle is the result of George Boldt’s plan to build a dream home for his wife. Sadly, construction stopped when she passed away suddenly, and the castle was left incomplete for decades. Today, it’s fully restored and stands as a monument to lost love, featuring towers and tunnels.

Hearst Castle

Proimos/Wikipedia

You’d expect something grand from a man like William Randolph Hearst, and his castle doesn’t disappoint. This sprawling mansion includes 165 rooms, 123 acres of gardens, and even an outdoor pool straight out of ancient Rome. It had the world’s largest private zoo at one point. Even today, you might spot zebras grazing near the estate.

Biltmore Estate 

24dupontchevy/Wikipedia

What do you do if you’re one of the richest men in the US? You build the largest private home in America. The Biltmore Estate is a French chateau-style mansion with 250 rooms, including a banquet hall, indoor pool, and library with thousands of books. If that’s not enough, it’s surrounded by 8,000 acres of gardens and even has its own winery.

Castello di Amorosa 

Photowikiuser816/Wikipedia

This castle is a wine lover’s dream, built in the 21st century but designed to look 800 years old. Vintner Dario Sattui went all out to include a moat, drawbridge, and even a dungeon. Castello di Amorosa isn’t just a pretty face; it’s also a fully functioning winery where you can sip some of the world’s best surrounded by medieval architecture.

Lyndhurst Mansion

Elisa.rolle/Wikipedia

Lyndhurst Mansion looks like it came straight out of a Gothic novel, with its steep towers and dark vibe. Built in the 1830s, it later became home to railroad tycoon Jay Gould. Inside, it’s full of art that reflects the opulence of the Gilded Age. Fans of vampire flicks might recognize Lyndhurst as the spooky mansion in “House of Dark Shadows.”

Iolani Palace 

Gage Skidmore/Wikipedia

The one and only royal palace on American soil, Iolani Palace, was home to Hawaii’s last two monarchs before the kingdom was overthrown in 1893. The palace has all the grandeur you’d expect of royalty, with stunning woodwork, a throne room, and lush grounds. It’s a historical landmark now, but it still holds the charm of its royal past.

Bishop Castle 

Hustvedt/Wikipedia

Jim Bishop started building this castle by hand in the 1960s, and he hasn’t stopped. Perched in the Colorado mountains, Bishop Castle is an ongoing project that features iron bridges, towers, and even a fire-breathing dragon sculpture. Jim Bishop believes everyone should be able to enjoy his work for free, and hence, there is no entry fee.

Fonthill Castle

Francis valocchi/Wikimedia Commons

Built by archaeologist and tile maker Henry Chapman Mercer, Fonthill Castle is a strange, concrete wonder that blends Gothic, medieval, and Byzantine styles. The walls are covered in handcrafted tiles that tell stories of history, folklore, and adventure. Mercer didn’t use blueprints for the castle; he made it up as he went along.

Hammond Castle 

Dale E. Martin/Wikipedia

This medieval-style castle has an eclectic mix of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance influences. It wasn’t just a home but also a lab where Hammond worked on inventions like radio control. With ocean views and Gothic towers, the castle feels like a bit of old Europe dropped on the Massachusetts coast.

Castle Post

Kaplansa/Wikimedia Commons

In the heart of Kentucky’s horse country sits Castle Post, a stone fortress that looks like it was plucked straight out of medieval times. It was originally built as a private residence. After a fire in 2004, the castle was in ruins, but it was carefully restored and now operates as a sought-after wedding venue and hotel.

Scotty’s Castle

Wikimedia Commons

Despite its remote location in Death Valley, Scotty’s Castle is full of lavish touches like Spanish tile, rich woodwork, and even a pipe organ. It was built in the 1920s by millionaire Albert Johnson, who had been lured to the desert by the outrageous stories of gold prospector Death Valley Scotty. 

Oheka Castle

OhekaCastleNY/Wikimedia Commons

Long Island’s Oheka Castle is pure Gatsby-level luxury. This French chateau was once the playground of the ultra-rich, featuring 127 rooms and vast gardens. It’s now a luxury hotel and event venue, perfect for those wanting a taste of old-school grandeur. If Oheka looks familiar, it’s because Taylor Swift used it as the backdrop for her “Blank Space.”

Gillette Castle

It’sOnlyMakeBelieve/Wikimedia Commons

William Gillette, the actor best known for playing Sherlock Holmes on stage, didn’t just build a house—he built a castle. Gillette Castle is full of quirky features, including secret doors and even a railway system he used to entertain his guests. Set high on a hill with sweeping views of the Connecticut River, it’s as mysterious as the detective.

Loveland Castle 

ConlonTT/Wikipedia

Loveland Castle, also known as Château Laroche, was built by Harry Andrews over a period of 50 years. Inspired by his love for medieval history, he used stones from the nearby Little Miami River to create his dream castle. The castle is now open to the public and even hosts medieval-themed events, keeping Harry’s passion alive.

Squire’s Castle 

sunsets_for_you/Wikipedia

This one on the list was meant to be the gatehouse of a grand estate that never got built, but it has become a beloved landmark in Ohio’s Cleveland Metroparks. Legend has it that the castle is haunted by the spirit of the builder’s wife, who is said to wander the grounds at night. Ghostly or not, it’s a favorite for hikers and photographers.

Written by Castillo Rancon

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